Short Synopsis
Set in Somerset and London during the turbulent time of the Restoration, Lady of the Butterflies is a dramatic tale of passion, prejudice, and death by poison, of riot and rebellion, science and superstition, madness and metamorphosis. It is also about the beauty of butterflies, about hope, transformation, and redemption.

Full Synopsis
Eleanor is the daughter of a strict puritan and Roundhead major and lives in a medieval manor on the bleak wetlands of Somerset. Her longing for color and brightness leads to an obsession with butterflies as well as to an illicit passion for charismatic but troubled Richard Glanville. Richard, the son of an exiled Cavalier, embodies all that Eleanor had been taught to despise and distrust, but he also holds for her all the allure of the forbidden. Her first husband dies, seemingly poisoned, freeing Eleanor and Richard to marry. But can their love survive suspicion and prejudice, a bloody rebellion that makes them bitter enemies, and a superstitious community that stirs up hatred toward her for her love of butterflies? It seems the only peace she can find is in her long-lasting friendship with renowned naturalist James Petiver, a clever young London apothecary who is considered the father of British entomology. But when Eleanor and Richard's son becomes apprenticed to James, tragedy strikes, and Eleanor is forced to embark on a dangerous search for her son that is entwined with a personal quest for truth, freedom, and love.

"Mountain is a writer to watch…on par with such leading historical authors such as Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory. Her fourth novel...is fascinating, well paced, and full of rich detail. Eleanor is a three-dimensional figure, full of passion, intelligence, and warmth. Highly recommended." ---Library Journal Starred Review

"Fiona Mountain is a major new talent in the field of historical fiction." ---Alison Weir, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine

"A lush and confidently plotted historical." ---Publishers Weekly

"Bailey captures Glanville's spirit and imagination, maturing her voice as the naturalist ages, helping guide listeners through the religious, social, and political perils of the time." ---Booklist Audio Review

"A fascinating book is made even better by Bailey's gifted storytelling." ---AudioFile

Library Journal Review